Infineon introduced the
constant current linear LED driver IC BCR431U, which can provide a lower
voltage drop when adjusting the LED current. This product is the second product
of the new-generation BCR series, with low-voltage drop characteristics,
designed for current up to 37mA. Typical applications of the new BCR431U
include LED light bars, advertising signs, architectural LED lighting, LED
displays, and emergency, retail and home appliance lighting.
This integrated driver IC
has a voltage drop of only 105mV at a current of 15mA, leading the industry in
performance and providing more design flexibility for lighting applications. In
this way, the overall efficiency can be improved, and the required voltage
margin can be provided to compensate the LED forward voltage tolerance and
variation in the supply voltage. BCR431U can add more LEDs to the lighting
design, for example, use the same IC to drive seven LEDs in series instead of
just six LEDs; or, it can also be used to increase the overall length of the
LED strip design, for example from 5 meters to 7 meters. On the whole, the
longer the LED light bar, the fewer power points and less installation work.
The LED current can be easily adjusted through the high-ohm
resistor on the dedicated pin. The IC supply voltage range is between 6V and
42V. With intelligent overheating control circuit design, it can maintain a
constant current when the temperature rises, provide safe and reliable
operating performance, and extend the life of the LED system. In addition, the
driver will only reduce the LED current when the junction temperature becomes
very high. BCR431U has a dimming brightness that can be as low as 1%, which is
very attractive for a variety of LED strip designs.